I’ve made a lot of progress so far on my dream of becoming a renowned photographer.
What I’m realizing along the way is some other stuff is happening – stuff I didn’t even plan for- that is really having a positive impact on my confidence and how my dreams are being shaped.
Organizing the Sonoma County Photography Group has been a blast. It gives me time to be with people who love photography, who are passionate and want to learn and create.
Because of this experience, I know now that a part of my work – photography or business – is to create the space for learning , mentoring and motivating people to keep growing.
To help them keep reaching for what they want.
I wasn’t expecting to find passion in that but I have.
As I witness everyone going through growth spurts, it’s amazing to me how powerful their positive thoughts can be.
- They leave their egos in the car and support one another in learning.
- They give great constructive feedback on photos that are shared.
It’s equally amazing how powerful their non positive thoughts can be.
- Some have admitted to me that they are angry at themselves for not knowing how to get a good shot – and that prevents them from taking risks.
- Others are afraid to ask stupid questions, for fear of looking like they don’t belong in the group – and that keeps them silent in their unknown.
How does your mind decide what to listen to – the positive or the negative thoughts?
In my early 30s, I went to a personal development seminar for a week – and there I had an experience that really changed me – and changed how I approach fear and the unknown.
One of our solo exercises dealt with two key issues of mine at the time: my fear of heights and the dread of looking stupid and incompetent in front of other people.
On paper, the exercise was simple.
We had to strap on some harnesses, climb up a telephone pole, stand on the of top it and jump off to a trapeze bar suspended in mid air 10 feet away.
When it was my turn it didn’t feel simple. It felt like wicked dry heaves.
I was shaking at the base of the pole and looking for a way to get out of doing it.
Getting out was not an option.
Drill Sergeant Coordinator: “So what’s goin’ on with you right now?”
Small feeling Me: “I’m scared. I hate heights. And what if I fall off? Everyone is watching me. They’ll know I couldn’t do it.”
Coordinator: “You know – this is just a pole and a couple of ropes. Whatever you are freaking out about is what you are bringing to the experience. Your thoughts and your fears…cause the pole is just the pole. So why don’t you just climb the damn thing and jump off?”
It was one of the clearest moments of my life.
In that moment it was me, just making the commitment to do something.
No excuses.
No prior experiences.
No worry.
No wicked dry heaves.
It was just me – the pole and the ropes.
So I try to remember that when I start to bump up against my frustrations in starting this photography business; or when consulting work isn’t flowing in; when relationships are feeling wacky or when I am unhappy about my weight or my financial security.
I remember that experience when fear shows up.
Remember: It’s just a pole and a couple of ropes.
Or better yet: It’s just me and my dreams of photography. All I have to do is commit to climbing the steps to making it happen. I believe it will.
If we keep it that simple and that clear I’m confident we can achieve any dream we want.
So as you go after your dreams, what do you face everyday?
How do you put aside the negative thoughts that get in your way of your commitment to your dreams?
It’s your pole to climb, people. Strap on the ropes and start climbing!
Until next photo,
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a photographer … then the world. Remy’s post day is Friday
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a respected photographer . . . then the world. Remy is CEO of Cornerstone Creative, a business consulting practice in Northern California. Remy’s post day is Wednesday. +Remy Gervais
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“How do you put aside the negative thoughts that get in your way of your commitment to your dreams?”
I drink wine.
I go to bed.
I go for a walk.
I eat French bread.
I garden.
I go to NIA to be around Laurie and Toni.
I discuss my dreams with Heather.
I eat M & Ms.
I talk with you on the phone.
I play with the dog.
Good enough? ;-)
Cath
wow, a super leader super funky superfly list.
How do you find time for fear with all those cool things?
Keep dreaming lady, its gonna happen.
:)
Thanks for the reminder to take one step at a time. Remembering that attitude helps me put a few chinks in the Fear Monster!
and what costume does a Fear Monster wear? Just trying to picture it! -Remy
I remember that:
Feelings are not facts.
Gratitude is an action.
When all else fails, go help others.
You go girl…
Your advice always makes sense. You should be a consultant for others. Oh wait, you already are.
Keep those stunning photos coming!
Toni
thx Toni! Common sense? Who knew! lol Rem
Getting around negative thoughts? Oh yeah, that’s the brick wall I imagined for years – each brick was a saying or comment from people over the years that I “couldn’t do it”.
All those comments slowly became the tapes that play in my head, repeating the same negative crap over and over.
I used to visualize removing and pulverizing those bricks one by one. Now I just see myself punching through it, huge explosions of brick everywhere and my walking through and leaving it behind.
I guess that’s where my “keep moving forward” mantra originated!
Thanks for the reminders – as always! – H